HP 923 vs 923e (923XL): Which One Is Right for You?

When we buy HP 923 series printer ink cartridges, their models can be confusing. What is the difference between HP 923 and HP 923e (923XL)? Which one is more suitable for me? These questions give us a headache. This article will explain the differences and similarities between the two and help you choose the right one with confidence.

Table of Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Key Differences: HP 923 vs 923e(923XL)
  3. Similarities: HP 923 vs 923e(923XL)
  4. Choose the right cartridge in the HP 923 vs 923e(923XL)
  5. Frequently Asked Questions About HP 923vs 923e(923XL)
  6. Conclusion

 

Page Yield

OEM Price

OEM Cost Per Page

HP 923 Black

500

$33.99

6.70¢

HP 923 Color

400

$17.99

4.50¢

HP 923 Ink Set

1700

$86.99

5.12¢

HP 923e (923XL) Black

1000

$67.99

6.80¢

HP 923e (923XL) Color

800

$35.99

4.50¢

HP 923e (923XL) Ink Set

3400

$159.99

4.71¢

*Prices are from the HP website and are subject to change at any time.

HP 923 and HP 923e(923XL) are the same in terms of print quality, compatible printers, and physical structure. However, there are some differences in ink capacity, page yield, and ink cartridge prices. Understanding their similarities, differences, and costs can help you make an informed decision, meet your needs, and fit your budget.

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1. Ink Capacity and Yield

The most notable difference is in ink capacity. HP 923 ink cartridges are standard capacity. HP 923e (923XL) ink cartridges are high-capacity. This means HP 923e (XL) ink cartridges have much higher yields than standard ones.

The standard yields for HP 923 ink cartridges are as follows:

HP 923 Black: 500 pages

HP 923 Color (Cyan/Yellow/Magenta): 400 pages

The high page yields for HP 923e(923XL)ink cartridges are as follows:

HP 923e Black:1,000 pages

HP 923e Color (Cyan/Yellow/Magenta): 800 pages

The suffix “e” typically appears on high-yield cartridges. It essentially stands for High Yield and functions similarly to the commonly seen “XL” cartridges. In other words, HP 923e = HP 923XL.

*Approximate average based on ISO/IEC 24711 or HP testing methodology and continuous printing. Actual yield varies considerably based on the content of printed pages and other factors.

2.  Cartridge Price 

 

HP 923 Black Ink

HP 923 Color Ink

HP 923 Ink Set

Ink Price

$33.99 $17.99 $86.99

Page Yield

500 Pages 400 Pages 1700 Pages

Cost Per Page

6.80¢ 4.50¢ 5.12¢

 

 

HP 923e(923XL) Black Ink

HP 923e(923XL) Color Ink

HP 923e(923XL) Ink Set

Ink Price

$67.99 $35.99 $159.99

Page Yield

1000 Pages 800 Pages 3400 Pages

Cost Per Page

6.80¢ 4.50¢ 4.71¢

 

*Prices are from the HP website and are subject to change at any time.

Although the HP 923e (923XL) cartridges have a higher initial price, the cost per page is almost the same as or slightly lower than the HP 923 toners.

1. Print Quality

HP 923 and HP 923XL have the same technology parameters. The specific information is as follows:


HP 923

HP 923XL

Description

Ink Formulation

Black: Pigment-based

Color: Dye-based

Black: Pigment-based

Color: Dye-based

Identical ink chemistry

Ink Drop Size (pl)

Black: 8.8 pl

Color: 7.1 pl

Black: 8.8 pl

Color: 7.1 pl

The same print head nozzles and drop volumes

Resolution (DPI)

1200 × 1200 dpi

1200 × 1200 dpi

Same dot density for identical print sharpness

Print head

HP Thermal Inkjet

HP Thermal Inkjet

The same thermal inkjet printing mechanism

 

HP 923 and HP 923XL are identical in all core print quality parameters, including ink chemistry, ink drop size, print head resolution, printing technology, etc. This means that the HP 923 and 923e (XL) ink cartridges provide the same print quality. Therefore, you don't have to worry about the print quality.

2. Printer Compatibility

The HP 923 and HP 923e(923XL) ink cartridges are compatible with the same HP printers. The printers are as follows:

HP OfficeJet Pro

OfficeJet Pro 8120e     OfficeJet Pro 8122e        OfficeJet Pro 8124e

OfficeJet Pro 8125e     OfficeJet Pro 8130e       OfficeJet Pro 8132e 

OfficeJet Pro 8134e     OfficeJet Pro 8135e       OfficeJet Pro 8138e

OfficeJet Pro 8139e

 

3. Physical Structure

The HP 923 and HP 923e(923XL) ink cartridges have many similarities in structure, as shown in the following table.

 

HP 923 Black

HP 923e(923XL))Black

Package Dimensions

4.52 x 0.94 x 3.94 in

4.52 x 0.94 x 3.94 in

Package Weight

~0.14 lb

~0.14 lb

Ink Drop

8.8pl

8.8pl

Ink Type

Pigment-based

Pigment-based

Operating Temperature Range

41 to 104°F

41 to 104°F

Operating Humidity Range

20 to 80%RH

5 to 80% RH

Storage Temperature Range

-40 to 158°F

-40 to 158°F

Storage Humidity Range

5 to 80% RH

5 to 80% RH

Similarities

HP 923 Black

HP 923e(923XL) Black

 

From the above table, we can find that HP 923 and HP 923e(923XL) ink cartridges share some common characteristics. They have the same package size, weight, ink drop, ink type, and operating and storage temperature and humidity ranges.

In the previous article, we analyzed the differences and similarities between HP923 and HP923e (923XL). And we know that the two are basically the same in terms of print quality, compatible printer, and physical structure. Therefore, when you buy toner cartridges, you don't need to worry about these parameters. What you need to pay attention to is the difference between them: ink capacity and page yield, and cartridge price.

Next, I will analyze which one of HP 923 and HP 923e (923XL) is more suitable for you based on your printing volume and cost budget.

1. Print Volume

Light Users (Monthly Printing Volume ≤ 200 Pages)

It is recommended to buy the HP 923 package ($86.99/1,700 pages). It has a small one-time investment. It costs about $10.2 to print 200 pages, and the package can be used for 8.5 months, so there is no need to worry about it drying up due to expiration.

Moderate Users (Monthly Printing Volume 200–500 Pages)

If you print an average of 300 pages per month, the package of 1,700 pages can be used for about 5.7 months.

If the budget allows, you can directly buy the HP 923e package ($159.99/3,400 pages). This doesn’t require ink changes for 6.8 months. And the cost per page is lower.

It is recommended to buy according to the quarterly budget: buy two HP 923e packages at a time, and you will be worry-free for half a year.

Heavy Users (Monthly Printing Volume ≥ 500 Pages)

The HP 923e (923XL) package is highly recommended. Because it supports more pages and reduces the number of ink changes.

It costs about 23.5 USD to print 500 pages, and the package can be used for 6.8 months. This is to say, you only need to be replaced once every six months. This plan greatly saves your time and effort.

2. Cost Budget

Limited Budget

For individual entrepreneurs, small e-commerce sellers, or home users with a tight budget, we recommend starting with standard-capacity HP 923 ink cartridges. You can prioritize purchasing black and frequently used color ink cartridges. This plan can meet basic printing tasks with a small initial investment. Then you can observe the actual printing volume, and gradually switch to a set or XL version. In this way, you could avoid a large one-time investment

Moderate Budget

For users who print medium volumes daily and wish to minimize frequent cartridge replacements, you can directly purchase the HP 923 Standard Capacity Set. It is cheaper than buying individual ones. This can reduce the cost per page and the time cost caused by repeated purchases. If the print volume is slightly larger, you can choose the HP 923e (923XL) Set. It is more worry-free in the long run.

High Budget

For users with a sufficient budget and large printing volume, the HP 923e (XL) package is the first choice

3. Specific Suggestions

Month-End Print Volume Statistics: Get an average monthly usage by checking printer data or manually counting.

Quarterly Purchases: You can track your monthly print volume to estimate the usage of each color cartridge. Then you can flexibly mix standard and XL sizes to prevent any one color from running out too quickly.

Pay Attention to Promotions: When there are promotions on e-commerce platforms, it is more cost-effective to pick up a good price.

Prioritize Buying Sets: If the budget is sufficient, you can give priority to buying sets. This is more economical than buying single colors. And it is easier to manage.

1. Can HP 923and HP 923eBe Mixed?

Yes, HP 923 and HP 923e (923XL) ink cartridges can be mixed in the same printer. They are compatible with the same HP printers. You can have one black 923XL and one or more color 923 standard cartridges in one machine. The print quality is the same. The system will automatically prompt you to replace each cartridge based on the remaining ink level. If your black-and-white printing volume is high, use the 923XL black cartridge; if your color printing volume is low, you can top up with standard 923 color cartridges.

2. How to Replace an HP 923/923e Ink Cartridge

Step 1: Prepare for Replacement

  • Make sure the printer is powered on and in a ready state (no blinking error lights or ongoing tasks).
  • Have your new HP 923 or 923e cartridge ready and verify it's the correct model for your printer.
  • If needed, wear disposable gloves to avoid ink stains on your hands.

Step 2: Open the Printer Cover

  • Gently lift the printer’s top cover (some models may require opening the front panel first).
  • Wait for the cartridge carriage to move to the center and stop completely.
  • Ensure that the printer displays a message such as “Ready to replace cartridge” or that the lights have stopped blinking.

Step 3: Remove the Old Cartridge

  • Press the blue or gray latch on the back of the cartridge to release it.
  • Grip both sides of the cartridge and pull it upward to remove it.
  • If you are replacing multiple color cartridges, repeat the process for each one.

Step 4: Prepare the New Cartridge

  • Take the new cartridge out of its packaging.
  • Carefully remove the protective tape and seal (do not touch the copper contacts or printhead area).
  • Gently shake the cartridge side to side 2–3 times to distribute the ink evenly.

Step 5: Install the New Cartridge

  • Align the cartridge with the correct slot (black goes into “B,” color into “C”).
  • Insert the cartridge straight down into the slot until it clicks into place.
  • Ensure the cartridge is level with the carriage and fully latched.

Step 6: Close the Cover and Align

  • Close the top cover (or front panel) until it clicks shut.
  • The printer may prompt for ink alignment or printhead calibration.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions or use the HP Smart app to complete alignment.

Step 7: Test and Clean

  • Use the printer control panel or connected computer to print a self-test page or ink status report to confirm ink levels and print quality.
  • If needed, run a “Printhead Cleaning” function via the driver or HP Smart app to clear any clogged nozzles.

3. Where Can I Get the Cheaper HP 923 and HP 923XL Inks?

It is not easy to find reasonably priced and reliable HP 923 and HP 923XL inks on many online platforms. I want to introduce you to True Image ink cartridges. Our toners have excellent performance and a competitive price. Here are the reasons why True Image is your ideal ink supply partner:

 

Page Yield

OEM Price

True Image Price

OEM Cost Per Page

True Image 

HP 923 Black

500

$33.99

$17.95

6.80¢

3.59¢

HP 923 Color

400

$17.99

$14.95

4.50¢

3.74¢

HP 923 Ink Set

1700

$86.99

$59.80

5.12¢

3.52¢

HP 923e (923XL) Black

1000

$67.99

$24.95

6.80¢

2.50¢

HP 923e (923XL) Color

800

$35.99

$19.95

4.50¢

2.49¢

HP 923e (923XL) Ink Set

3400

$159.99

$79.80

4.71¢

2.35¢

 

True Image gives you high-quality print results as the original. At the same time, we will help you keep printing costs under control- save up to 50% on each page. For example, with an HP 923e Black XL ink cartridge, True Image costs only  2.5 cents per page, compared to 6.8 cents for an OEM cartridge, more than half the cost.

In addition to print quality and price, you can also enjoy these services:

  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee – Shop with confidence!
  • Fast Shipping from Local UK Warehouse
  • 2-Year Warranty for Worry-Free Use
  • Dedicated Support Team Always Ready to Help

HP 923 and 923e (923XL) ink cartridges are suitable for different types of users: the HP 923 is suitable for occasional printing, while the HP 923e (923XL) is ideal for users who print a lot. In addition, HP 923 and 923e (923XL) can be mixed. Therefore, you can also count the print volume of different colors and buy them together. For example, you can buy HP 923e (923XL) black ink cartridges and HP 923 one or more color ink cartridges.

Cartridge guide

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